Multi-function machine for combining and routing image data and method of operating same

ABSTRACT

A multi-function machine for combining and routing image data is disclosed. The multi-function machine includes a number of functional units, for instance, a digital copier which produces scanned image data, a printer which prints image data from a computer, and a facsimile device which receives and sends facsimile image data. Image data from one or a number of sources may be combined to form merged image data, corresponding to a merger of the individual images. The merged image data may then be conveyed to any of a number of user selectable destinations, including a printer, a host computer, or a facsimile device.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.071811,463, filed Dec. 19, 1991, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,345

[0002] This invention relates generally to a multi-function machinewhich is capable of reproducing an electronic image into printed matter.More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-function machinewhich combines two or more separate electronic images into a singleimage which may be printed, stared, or faxed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Multi-function machines have been recently developed. Thesemachines commonly include the capability to print a digitally formatteddocument which is downloaded from a host computer. As is known in theart, the print function of the multi-function machine is realized byutilizing a laser and a polygon mirror to write information on aphotoreceptor. The photoreceptor is subsequently placed in contact witha piece of paper which acquires the image written on the photoreceptor.

[0004] Prior art multi-function machines also commonly include thecapability to digitally copy a document. As is known in the art, thedigital copying aspect of these machines is realized through a ChargeCoupled Device (CCD) which acquires a digital data representation of animage. The digital image data is then conveyed to the printer portion ofthe machine which yields a printed document.

[0005] Prior art multi-function machines may also include a capabilityto send and receive facsimile data. Received facsimile data is usuallyprinted in accordance with the printer aspect of the multi-functionmachine. A document to be sent by facsimile is typically scanned andencoded by the CCD element of the multi-function machine.

[0006] Recently, a multi-function machine has been developed which hasthe capability of combining one or more individual functions. Forinstance, image data from a computer may be combined with a scannedimage to produce a printed image. This device directly prints any mergedimage data. No capability is provided for routing the merged image datato other data processing devices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is a general object of the present invention to provide amulti-function machine capable of combining two separate images into asingle electronic image.

[0008] It is a related object of the present invention to provide amulti-function machine which combines different image data into acombined image data file which may be routed to memory or to an outputdevice such as a fax or a host computer.

[0009] These and other objects are achieved by a multi-function machinefor combining and routing image data. The multi-function machineincludes a number of functional units, for instance, a digital copierwhich produces scanned image data, a printer which prints data from acomputer, and a facsimile device which receives and sends facsimileimage data. Image data from one or a number of sources may be combinedto form merged image data, corresponding to a merger of the individualimages. The merged image data may then be conveyed to any of a number ofuser selectable destinations, including a printer, a host computer, or afacsimile device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a better understanding of the nature and objects of theinvention. reference should be made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a simplified depiction of a multi-function machine whichmay be used in accordance with the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a depiction of a control panel for a multi-functionmachine which may be used in accordance with the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic system board of amulti-function machine which may be used in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a simplified depiction of the merge process betweencomputer image data and scanned image data.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a simplified block depiction of the merge operation.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting the merging operations of thepresent invention.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting an alternate embodiment of themerging operations of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 8 is an example of a registered image selection menu that maybe used in accordance with the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 9 is an example of a registered image selection menu with anidentification number incrementation option.

[0020]FIG. 10 is an example of a printed document wherein the first setof image data is a page from the U.S. Constitution and the second set ofimage data is a pre-registered horizontal confidential statement.

[0021]FIG. 11 is an example of a printed document wherein the first setof image data is a page from the U.S. Constitution and the second set ofimage data is a pre-registered diagonal confidential statement.

[0022]FIG. 12 is an example of a printed document wherein the first setof image data is a page from the U.S. Constitution and the second set ofimage data is a pre-registered diagonal confidential statement whichincludes an identification number.

[0023] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a multi-function machine 10 is depicted. Themachine 10 includes a housing 11. Within the housing 11 is a lightsource 12 for scanning images. The housing 11 also includes aphotoreceptor 14 for creating latent images for the printer, copier andfacsimile functions of the machine. A paper tray 16 and output bins 18are also provided for the output aspect of the machine 10. A documentfeed 20 and automatic document transport 22 may also be provided.

[0025] The machine 10 also includes a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) torealize scanning functions. In addition, the machine 10 also includes alaser element 26 and a polygon mirror 28. The laser element 26 andpolygon mirror 28 are utilized to write information on photoreceptor 14and thereby achieve a printing function, as is known in the art. Thisprinting function may be used in accordance with telephone input 30 toprovide a facsimile capability to the machine 10. A telephone handset 32is also provided.

[0026] In sum, the machine 10 may include a copier, a scanner, aprinter, and a facsimile apparatus. Selection of the individualfunctions may be achieved through a control panel 34. Preferably, themachine 10 also includes an LCD 36 which provides status information.The machine 10 also includes a host interface 38 which may be coupled toa host computer. The host computer may be used to provide commands tothe machine 10. Printing jobs may be conveyed from the host computer tothe machine 10. In addition, scanned images may be conveyed through thehost interface 38 to the host computer.

[0027]FIG. 2 depicts a control panel 34 which may be used with amulti-function machine in accordance with the present invention. As willbe more fully described, the control panel 34 preferably includes a“merge” button. The control panel 34 also preferably includes a numberof operations such as “copy”, “print”, and “fax”. Status information isprovided on LCD 36.

[0028] Turning to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the primary electroniccomponents 40 of the machine 10 is provided. System bus 44 connects allthe modules of the system. CPU 42 services multiple tasks whilemonitoring the state of the machine. DRAM 46 and EEPROM 48 arepreferably provided. ROM module 50 includes initial values, defaultvalues, and firmware. The firmware may include printing instructions tohandle popular printer commands such as PCL5 from Hewlett-Packard orPostScript from Adobe Systems. Interface controller 1 (52) is coupled tocontrol panel 34. Interface controller 2 (54) is preferably coupled to ahost computer through host interface 38.

[0029] Interface controller 3 (56) includes DRAM 58 and is coupled tofax/telephone processor 60. Preferably, the fax/telephone processor 60has a module which distinguishes the incoming information as eithervoice or fax data, and automatically switches the system to theappropriate mode by notifying the CPU 42. The fax/telephone processor 60is coupled to telephone handset 32 to handle voice information.Interface controller 3 (56) is preferably coupled to an answering unit62.

[0030] A direct memory access controller 64 is also provided. Printerinterface 66 is coupled to the printing elements (laser 26, polygonmirror 28, and photoreceptor 14) to create the desired output image.Scanner interface 68 interfaces with the CCD 24 so that scanned digitalimages can be obtained. System controller 70 is connected with scannerinterface 68 and printer interface 66 through bus 44 and bus 76, whichallows the input-output related functions such as copying. For copying,bus 75 provides an interface between the scanner and printer whichenables the movement of image data.

[0031] Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) 77 is used to merge data from thescanner interface 68 with data from other sources “on the fly”, as thescan data is being sent to the printer interface 66. In addition, mergedata from the scanner can be directed to DRAM 46, either for temporarystorage or for merging with other image data already stored in DRAM 46.

[0032] Storage interface 72 is coupled to external storage units 74,which may be hard disks, optical disks, and/or floppy disks. The storagedevice 74 may store sets of instructions to be used in accordance withthe invention. In the alternative, these instructions may be stored inROM 50.

[0033] The combination of image data is illustrated in reference to FIG.4. Multi-function machine 10 is coupled to a host computer 80. Hostcomputer 80 includes a monitor 82 which depicts data in the form of theletter “A”. On the platten of multi-function machine 10 is a document 84which includes a “circle”. The document 84 is electronically scanned andthe resultant scanned image data is combined with the image data fromthe computer corresponding to the letter “A”. The resultant merged imageis printed on paper 86. As is known in the art, host computer 80 mayconvey image data to the multi-function machine 10 or coded data whichmust be converted by the multi-function machine 10 (through knowntechniques such as coding “A” as Hex 41) to image data. As used herein,“image data” from the host computer refers to either class of data.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a simplified depiction of this merge process. In asequential fashion, each pixel (picture element) of image 1 (87) iscombined with the corresponding positional pixel in image 2 (88) by alogical operator 90. For instance, starting with the pixel in the upperleft corner of image 1 (87), this pixel is combined with the pixel inthe upper left corner of image 2 (88). Subsequently, the remainingpixels in image 1 (87) are combined with the corresponding positionalpixels in image 2 (88). Typically, the logical operator is an “OR”operation. That is, the logical operator receives two pixels, one fromeach image, if either of the two pixels is dark, the output is dark,otherwise the output is light. If desired, the logical operator may alsobe an “AND”, “OR”, “NOT”, or a “XOR” operator. The logical operation ispreferably user selectable through the operation panel 34 or through thehost computer.

[0035] This merge function is known in the art. However, in the priorart, the merged image always results in a printed document. Inaccordance with the present invention, the merged image data may beconveyed to any of a number of user selectable output destinations.

[0036] The operation of a multi-function machine in accordance with thepresent invention is more fully described in relation to FIG. 6. Themerge and route operation 100 of the present invention begins with amerge request (block 102). The merge request may be initiated from the“Merge” button on the operation panel 36 or from host computer 80. Ineither event, a prompt is provided to input the routing destination(block 104). The prompt may be provided on LCD 36, or on the monitor 82of host computer 80. The routing destination is where the merged imagedata is sent. For instance, the merged image data may be sent to theprinter for printing, to the host computer, to DRAM, to a storagedevice, or to the facsimile, as to be more fully described below.

[0037] The multi-function machine 10 then provides a prompt to read thefirst input (block 106). As before, the prompt may be provided on LCD36, or on the monitor 82 of host computer 80. The first input may beimage data from host computer 80, scanned image data, or storedfacsimile image data.

[0038] The multi-function machine 10 then provides a prompt to read thesecond input (block 108). The prompt may be provided on LCD 36, or onthe monitor 82 of host computer 80. The second input may be any of anumber of classes of image data, as was the case with the first input.

[0039] Subsequently, the merge operation transpires (block 110). Thenature of the merge operation has been described in relation to FIGS. 4and 5, and will be more fully described below.

[0040] Finally, the merged data is transmitted to the user selectabledestination (block 112). The destination was previously determined atblock 104. Thus, the merged image data is routed to any of a number oflocations including the printer, the host computer, DRAM, an optionaldisk, or the facsimile output.

[0041] The particular execution of these instructions on themulti-function machine 10 is more fully appreciated with reference toFIG. 3. The merge request is received by CPU 42 via bus 44 througheither interface controller 1 (52), in the case of a request from thecontrol panel 34, or through interface controller 2 (54), in the case ofa request from the host computer 80.

[0042] The merge and route routine 100 of FIG. 6 is stored by storagedevice 74. In the alternative, merge and route routine 100 may be storedin ROM 50, DRAM 46, or EEPROM 48. Regardless of where the merge androute routine 100 is stored, CPU 42 executes the appropriateinstructions corresponding to the routine. Thus, the merge request block102 of FIG. 6 invokes the merge and route routine 100.

[0043] The instructions of the routine provide a prompt for thedestination of the merged data. This prompt is sent by bus 44 throughinterface controller 1 (52) or through interface controller 2, dependingupon where the merge request originated from. In the case of aninstruction routed through interface controller 1, a prompt is providedon LCD 36. For instance, a suitable prompt would be “Enter Merged DataDestination”. The data destination would then be entered through the useof one of the control panel 34 keys, for instance, the “print” key, orby using the cursor control keys 35 on the control panel 34.

[0044] An analogous procedure is undertaken in the case of aninstruction routed through interface controller 2. In this instance, theprompt is provided on computer monitor 82 of host computer 80. The datadestination would then be entered through the keyboard or mouseassociated with the host computer. In either embodiment, the destinationis read and stored in one of the memory devices (DRAM 46 or storagedevice 74).

[0045] Subsequently, prompts are provided in an analogous manner for thefirst input and the second input. The first and second inputs are readand stored in one of the memory devices.

[0046] Afterwards, the merge instruction is executed. The mergeinstruction may be executed in any of a number of manners. For instance,the first input may be fax image data which is stored in DRAM 58. Thesecond input may be image data from host computer 80. CPU 42 willconsider each pixel from the respective inputs and perform the requiredlogical operation. The merged image data output from the logicaloperation may be conveyed to DRAM 46 or storage device 74 until themerge operation is completed. Thereafter, the CPU 42 uses the storeduser-selected destination to create a route command. Thus, if the mergedimage data of the present example is to be routed to the facsimileoutput, then the CPU 42 would provide instructions to move the storedimage data over bus 44 through interface controller 56 into faxprocessor 60.

[0047] Merging may also be performed without subsequent storing of themerged image data. For instance, if image data from a host computer isto be merged with scanned imaged data, the merged image data may bedirectly routed to the printer, without storing. An Arithmetic LogicUnit. (ALU) 77 may be provided to receive image data from bus 44. Theimage data from bus 44 may be received from host computer 80 throughinterface controller 54. The ALU provides a logical operation with datareceived from the scanner interface 68. The output from the ALU is thenfed directly to the printer interface 66 for subsequent printing. TheALU and printer interface 66 may also be used to route the merged imagedata onto bus 44 for conveyance to another output device, such as hostcomputer 80.

[0048] Similarly, the CPU 42 can merge image data in the DRAM 46 from afirst source with image data from a second source (e.g., the scanner 68)and send that merged data directly to a specified destination (such as ahost computer via interface 54) without storing the merged image in DRAM46.

[0049]FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention.Instead of relying upon a default logical operator, such as the “OR”function, in accordance with this embodiment, a logical operator isselected. After the merge request (block 102), a prompt may be provided(block 103) on LCD 36 or on monitor 82 of host computer 80 to input alogical operation, such as “AND”, “OR”, “NOT” or “XOR”. Thereafter, allsteps would be performed in accordance with the previously disclosedembodiment.

[0050] One of the images to be merged during a merge operation inaccordance with the invention may be a “registered” image. FIG. 2illustrates a “registered” key to select a registered image. When theregistered key is pressed, the LCD 36 displays a registered imageselection menu. By way of example, FIG. 8 illustrates a set of availableregistered images on a registered image selection menu. A registeredimage may be selected using a corresponding number from the number padon the control panel 34.

[0051] The first available registered image is a “Confidential”statement that is positioned horizontally, as indicated by the (H), onthe merged document. The second available registered image is a“Confidential” statement that is positioned diagonally, as indicated bythe (D), on the merged document. A registered date stamp (option 3) anda combination of a date stamp and time stamp (option 4) are alsoavailable. The first and second registered image options may be storedin EEPROM 48. The date and time stamp may be formed by relying upon thesystem clock that is used by the CPU 42. The date and time stamp ispreferably positioned at the top or bottom of the document.

[0052] A fifth option that is preferably available is an identificationnumber. When the identification number option is selected, the LCDdisplay 36 is changed to provide a menu as shown in FIG. 9. Preferably,there is a prompt to enter an identification number. The identificationnumber may be entered by using the number pad on the control panel 34.The entered number is then stored in DRAM 46 and merged with a secondimage. The identification number, say on a printed document, is used toascribe the document to an individual assigned to the identificationnumber.

[0053] Preferably, an option is provided to increment the identificationnumber, as illustrated in FIG. 9. When this option is selected, thefirst merged document has the entered identification number, the nextmerged document has the entered identification number incremented byone, etc. The incrementation operation may be executed by the CPU 42.This option is useful, for instance, when the second document to bemerged is a single document that needs to be copied several times. Theincrementation of the identification number allows one to keep track ofthe different copies made.

[0054] The identification number feature of the invention may becombined with other registered images. For example, the identificationnumber may be combined with a horizontal confidential statement (option6), or the identification number may be combined with a diagonalconfidential statement (option 7).

[0055] As indicated above, selection of a registered image is analogousto the selection of any other image to be merged. For example, returningto FIG. 6, a merge request is made (block 102) and then the mergedestination is selected (block 104). By way of example, the first inputread (block 106) may be a copy, and the second input read (block 108)may be a registered image, as selected from the registered imageselection menu of FIG. 8. Thereafter, the merge operation is executed(block 110) and the merged document is transmitted (block 112).

[0056]FIG. 10 is an example of a printed document which has apre-registered confidential statement merged therein. In particular,FIG. 10 illustrates one page from the U.S. Constitution, which may beviewed as a first set of electronic image data, for instance obtainedfrom the copier of the multi-function machine 10. FIG. 10 also includesa pre-registered horizontally-oriented confidential statement(“Confidential Don't Make Copy”), which may be viewed as a second set ofelectronic image data, selected as item 1 in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is similarto FIG. 10, but the confidential statement is oriented diagonally. Thisoption is available as item 2 in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11,but further includes an identification number (“19”). The identificationnumber may be selected as item 5 in FIG. 8, and may then be keyed in, asshown in FIG. 9.

[0057]FIGS. 10-12 show the merged image data as being directly printed.However, as previously indicated, the merged image data may also berouted to any of a number of user selectable destinations. Thus, themulti-function machine of the present invention provides a flexiblemerge and route operation.

[0058] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1-18. (canceled).
 19. An image handling apparatus, comprising: aplurality of input interfaces for inputting image data; a first selectorfor selecting one of said input interfaces for providing a first imagedata; a storage device for storing a plurality of stored images; asecond selector for selecting as a second image data one of saidplurality of stored images; a circuit for combining said first imagedata and said second image data to produce a third image data; and athird selector for selecting one of a plurality of receiving devices toreceive said third image data; wherein at least one of said plurality ofreceiving devices is an image output device.
 20. The apparatus of claim19, further comprising: a housing; wherein said plurality of inputinterfaces, said storage device, said first selector, said secondselector, and said third selector are provided within said housing. 21.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said circuit combines said firstimage data and said second image data by merging said first image datawith said second image data.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein saidmerging is performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein at least one of said plurality of stored images is atext message.
 24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of stored images is a background image.
 25. The apparatusof claim 19, wherein at least one of said plurality of input interfacesis coupled to an image capture device.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25,wherein said image capture device comprise an image scanner.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 25, wherein said image capture device comprise anetwork interface.
 28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said imagecapture device processes an encoded image data.
 29. An image handlingmethod, comprising: first selecting one of a plurality of inputinterfaces for receiving a first image data; second selecting one of aplurality of stored images as a second image data; combining said firstimage data and said second image data to produce a third image data;third selecting one of a plurality of receiving devices to receive saidthird image data; wherein at least one of said plurality of receivingdevices is an image output device.
 30. The method of claim 29, whereinsaid combining merges said first image data with said second image data.31. The method of claim 30, wherein said merging is performed on apixel-by-pixel basis.
 32. The method of claim 29, wherein at least oneof said plurality of stored images comprises a text message.
 33. Themethod of claim 29, wherein at least one of said plurality of storedimages comprise a background image.
 34. The method of claim 29, whereinsaid acts of first selecting, second selecting, third selecting, andcombining are performed in a common housing.
 35. The method of claim 29,wherein at least one of said input interfaces is coupled to an imagecapture device.
 36. The method of 35, wherein said image capture devicecomprise an image scanner.
 37. The method of 36, wherein said imagecapture device comprise a networked interface.
 38. The method of 37,wherein said image capture device processes encoded image data.